Corruption has penetrated all spheres of Russian society – Matviyenko

KAZAN. Feb 13 (Interfax) – Over 50,000 corruption-related crimes were committed in Russia last year, and around 7,000 people were convicted for them, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said.

“These figures show that despite all implemented measures, corruption is one of the most burning issues, moreover, it has penetrated all spheres of social life in Russia: authorities, housing services and utilities, education, healthcare, law enforcement. And attempts to equate ‘official and corruptor’ are superficial and unfair,” Matviyenko said at the all-Russia anti-corruption conference, which opened in Kazan.

“We are to be aware of the gravity of the issue of corruption. If we don’t truly overcome it, the country won’t be able to successfully develop and move forward,” Matviyenko said.

“High-profile resignations of the last months have shown that the work of senior officials and departments they run is not transparent in many ways, to the extent that it’s simply impossible to determine the real scale of corruption,” Matviyenko said.

“At the same time mere political will of the country’s leaders and power policy as well as passing a package of federal, regional bills and programs are not enough. One requires public support, encouragement of public initiatives, openness and authorities’ willingness to cooperate. Corruption devalues democratic values,” Matviyenko said.